Moscow: The Green Capital

Moscow, often celebrated for its historic architecture and vibrant culture, is also emerging as the green capital of Russia. Behind its bustling streets and towering skyscrapers lies an impressive network of parks, gardens, and green spaces that play a crucial role in enhancing the city’s air quality and providing residents and visitors alike with verdant escapes. The significance of these green spaces extends beyond their beauty, contributing to the environmental health and sustainability of Russia’s capital. As cities around the globe strive to improve urban living conditions, Moscow’s efforts to expand and maintain its green spaces exemplify a commitment to enhancing ecological well-being and quality of life.

This article will explore the evolution of green spaces in Moscow, highlighting the major parks and gardens that have become landmarks in their own right. It will delve into the city’s environmental policies and the tangible impact they have on improving air quality and fostering a greener urban environment. Additionally, the social implications of Moscow’s green movement, encompassing public health, community engagement, and recreational opportunities, will be examined. As the narrative unfolds, readers will gain insights into how Moscow is setting a precedent for urban sustainability and why its green spaces are integral to the city’s identity and the well-being of its inhabitants.

Evolution of green spaces in Moscow

Historical background

The transformation of Moscow’s green spaces has deep historical roots, tracing back to the 16th century when territories were designated as protected areas by the royal family and nobility, primarily for hunting grounds and private estates. This early conservation effort included not only residential structures but also expansive gardens, farmland, and forests. The first Russian Forest Act, established in 1804 by Emperor Alexander I, marked a significant step towards formal environmental protection, with Losiny Ostrov becoming Russia’s inaugural official protected area.

The evolution continued with the 1935 General Plan, which envisioned a greenbelt around Moscow, spanning 10-15 kilometers wide. This plan incorporated parks, forests, and other green spaces into the urban fabric, aiming to create a sustainable city environment. However, from 1940 to 1980, the construction boom led to a reduction in these green areas. It wasn’t until the late 1980s that public protests against the neglect and reduction of green spaces resulted in significant policy changes. These movements culminated in the 1989 Ninth Congress of People’s Deputies, which emphasized the need to preserve urban green spaces, balancing urban development with environmental stewardship.

Recent transformations

In recent years, Moscow has seen a renaissance in the development and refurbishment of its parks and green spaces, earning it the nickname “Green Capital.” Under the leadership of Mayor Sergei Sobyanin, the city has prioritized the creation of a healthier and more sustainable environment for its 13 million residents. One of the flagship projects in this green revolution is the transformation of the Moscow River area. Once a neglected industrial zone, it now features scenic walking paths, public art installations, and amenities like kayak rentals. This area has become a vibrant community hub where locals and tourists engage in activities ranging from yoga to outdoor concerts, enhancing the communal and natural appeal of the city.

The city’s 88 parks have undergone extensive renovations, with Gorky Park standing out as a prime example. Previously a dilapidated Soviet-era relic, it has been transformed into a dynamic public space offering a range of activities, including outdoor fitness classes, bike rentals, and a winter ice skating rink. The park’s revitalization includes the maintenance of over 100,000 plants and flowers, adding vibrant colors and life to the urban landscape.

This focus on green space not only improves the aesthetic and recreational appeal of Moscow but also plays a crucial role in enhancing the city’s ecological health. The expansion and enhancement of these areas are central to Moscow’s strategy to improve air quality and provide a more livable environment for its residents, setting a precedent for urban sustainability that integrates nature into the daily lives of its citizens.

Major green landmarks

Famous parks and natural reserves

Moscow boasts a rich array of parks and natural reserves, each offering unique experiences and contributing significantly to the city’s status as a green megapolis. Losiny Ostrov, established in 1983, holds the distinction of being Russia’s first national park. Located in Moscow and the Moscow Oblast, it is the third-largest forest in a city of comparable size globally, trailing only behind Table Mountain National Park in Cape Town and Pedra Branca State Park in Rio de Janeiro. This extensive green area serves as a crucial lung for the city, providing both ecological benefits and recreational opportunities.

Another notable area is the Sochi National Park, which spans the Greater Sochi area and is known for its diverse ecosystems ranging from the Black Sea coast to the peaks of the Greater Caucasus. It’s a prime example of conservation efforts blending with tourism and education about natural preservation.

Zavidovo, a mix of forests and wetlands located in Tver and Moscow Oblasts, is historically significant as a hunting reserve and now serves as a vital conservation area. This park exemplifies the balance between maintaining natural habitats and providing leisure spaces for the public.

Green public spaces and pedestrian zones

Moscow’s commitment to enhancing urban life is evident in its development of green public spaces and pedestrian zones. Gorky Park, once a neglected area, has transformed into a vibrant hub of activity. Following extensive renovations, it now features amenities such as outdoor fitness classes and a winter ice skating rink, making it a year-round destination for both locals and tourists.

The Botanical Garden of Moscow State University is another significant landmark, housing over 20,000 plant species. It not only serves as a green oasis in the city but also functions as a center for botanical research and education, emphasizing the importance of plant conservation.

Park Zaryadye, located near the heart of Moscow, offers a modern twist on public spaces with its “floating bridge” and zones representing different Russian landscapes. This park integrates nature with urban design, providing breathtaking views of the city skyline and becoming a symbol of Moscow’s forward-thinking approach to public space.

Additionally, Izmaylovsky Park, one of the largest urban parks globally, provides a vast area for recreation and nature exploration. Its historical significance and natural beauty make it a cherished green space among residents and visitors.

These landmarks not only enhance the aesthetic and recreational appeal of Moscow but are also pivotal in improving the ecological health of the city. They reflect Moscow’s dedication to creating a sustainable urban environment where nature and city life coexist harmoniously.

Environmental policies and their impact

Energy efficiency and sustainability

Moscow has made significant strides in incorporating energy-efficient technologies and embracing renewable energy sources. The city government has focused on upgrading municipal buildings and infrastructure to reduce energy consumption and carbon emissions. This includes LED lighting retrofits, advances in building insulation, and the installation of energy-efficient heating and cooling systems. Additionally, Moscow is exploring renewable energy sources such as solar and wind power to supplement its energy mix. Solar panels have been installed on several public buildings, and there is a growing interest in expanding these installations to residential areas. Although Moscow’s climate is not always conducive to solar power generation, the city leverages its long summer days to maximize solar energy utilization during those months. Small-scale wind turbines have also been introduced in some parks as part of a pilot program to test their effectiveness in urban settings.

Moreover, Moscow has made strides in reducing vehicular emissions, a critical component of its green initiatives. Efforts include the introduction of electric buses to replace aging diesel fleets, expansion of public transportation networks, and development of bike lanes to encourage cycling. The city has launched bike-sharing programs encouraging residents and tourists alike to use bicycles for short trips, helping to ease traffic congestion and reduce air pollution. In addition to improving public transit, Moscow is investing in electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure, such as charging stations throughout the city, to support the gradual transition to electric cars. The government provides incentives such as reduced tax rates and parking fees to encourage the adoption of EVs. Moscow aims to make all public transportation electric by 2030, which would significantly lower the transportation sector’s environmental impact.

Public transportation and reduction of emissions

Since 2010, Moscow has invested in improving its public transport to ease the intensity of traffic and congestion while encouraging the public to use buses, subways, and trains. This modernization project has already shown a positive impact in reducing air pollution. The gradual transition to greener engines across all types of vehicles—including privately owned cars and public transport—as well as the growing popularity of electrical vehicles, has contributed to making Moscow a less polluted city. More than 68% of the city’s vehicles now meet the Euro-4 and higher environmental class standard, compared to fewer than 30% in 2010.

Moscow’s government has also tackled congestion and reduced air pollution by placing restrictions on movement within the city and by regulating the amount of freight transport on the roads. There is now a ban on entry inside the third transport ring (TTK) and on the MKAD of trucks that meet the requirements below the environmental class “Euro-3”. Transport below the ecological class “Euro-2” is also banned within the limits of the TTK to the MKAD and along the MKAD.

One of the main tasks of ensuring the environmental safety of road transport is the implementation of measures aimed at updating the rolling stock of urban passenger transport, along with the development of new types of stock to meet modern environmental standards. In Moscow, this has been achieved by building a new network of urban railway transport: MCR and MCD. The city has ambitious plans to electrify its bus network by 2032. By the end of 2020, 600 electric buses were running in Moscow and that number increased to 1,000 by the end of 2021. The transport greening measures adopted in Moscow have reduced polluting emissions by 2 times over the past decade, and air quality near major highways has improved by more than three times. Urban air pollution with carbon oxides decreased by 2.3 times, nitrogen oxide—by 2.2 times, and fine suspended particles of PM—by 1.8 times.

Social impact of the green movement

The green movement in Moscow has significantly influenced the social fabric of the city, enhancing both health and wellness and strengthening community bonds. This section delves into these two major impacts, highlighting the transformative role of green initiatives in Moscow’s urban environment.

Health and wellness benefits

Moscow’s dedication to expanding green spaces has directly contributed to the health and wellness of its residents. The renovation of the Moscow River and the extensive upgrades to the city’s parks, such as Gorky Park, have not only beautified the urban landscape but also promoted active lifestyles. These areas offer residents and visitors alike a variety of health-promoting activities, from outdoor fitness classes to scenic walking paths and kayak rentals. Moreover, the city’s wellness revolution is supported by a growing community of health-conscious entrepreneurs who provide services ranging from nutrition counseling to wellness retreats. These initiatives have created an environment where physical and mental well-being is a priority, supported by accessible and engaging green spaces.

Strengthening community and social bonds

The green movement’s impact on community and social bonds in Moscow is profound. Green spaces like parks serve as communal hubs where people gather, interact, and engage in activities that foster a strong sense of community. Initiatives such as community gardens and environmental programs encourage residents to take an active role in their environment, leading to increased community engagement and a shared sense of responsibility for the city’s ecological health. Events hosted in these spaces, ranging from concerts to health-focused activities, further strengthen the social fabric, making Moscow not only a greener but also a more connected city.

The integration of green spaces into Moscow’s urban planning has not only enhanced the aesthetic and recreational appeal of the city but also played a crucial role in improving the ecological health of the environment. These spaces are pivotal in fostering a sustainable urban environment where nature and city life coexist harmoniously, benefiting both individual health and community well-being.

The french article can be found here.